Tortoises????

[cosmicgirl]

My son is obsessed with tortoises. He has been asking for one for over a year now. He loves looking at photos of them and videos of them on YouTube
So I've promised that I will look into it.
Now I thought they just trotted around the garden and ate a bit of lettuce, but nooooo.
I think they need a very specific diet, hardcore care with heat lamps etc and omg there are loads of different types!!!

Anyone out there keep tortoises?? Any help/advice??? xx

 

[Princess81]

I don't personally but my friend has, for years!! She has a large rabbit run that tortoise lives in, and she does feed her on salad. She has a box that she goes in to keep herself warm but I think hibernation is where it gets complex re lamps etc?
Having said that, this is all in Guernsey where it's a bit warmer x
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/safer.html

 

[cosmicgirl]

Ahhhh right. Thanks for the link.
Some types don't even hibernate!!!! It all seems a bit complicated tbh but he has his heart set on one x

 

[Titch85]

I would love a tortoise! Our local garden centre sells them in their pet section. I think there are strict rules about breeding and selling them etc.

 

[Wilson28]

You have to put them in your will now as they last till about 90-100yrs xx

 

[Elfs Mummy]

My friends had one (foxes got it) in the winter it was in an ikea draw with a idea lamp over it in the summer outside in the garden they're really easy to look after x

 

[Wilson28]

Also need to be kept indoors xx

 

[Pudds86]

I just know that getting a baby is a lot of hard work- diet, weighing and a space indoors. Older ones are much easier but a lot harder to get a hold of!! xx

 

[MrsT2011]

We have a horsefield tortoise and he is reasonably low maintenance. He was in a heated tank but now has an indoor run with a heat lamp attached.
Yes they need a few vitamins but you can buy the grain with it already in.
Food is easy - lots of fresh salad.
He doesn't hibernate but he is an indoorsy tortoise and too young.
They don't Recommend letting a tortoise under 5 hibernate as they can't store enough food to survive.

They can get dehydrated easily but a bath in tepid water helps as the underneath of the shell "drinks" water.

I think they are a lovely pet and a lot less work than other animals - also cheaper in the long run x

 

[cosmicgirl]

Wow, thanks for all the info girls. A lot to think about there.
I'm going to look at some tomorrow tea time so I'll let you know how I get on x

 

[MelissaLindley]

We have a spurthigh and hermans. Also used to have 2 sulcatas but they are huge so don't get those lol! Once set up they are really easy to care for x

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[cosmicgirl]

Thanks hun, I'm still pondering over it x

 

[Lolly85x]

My OH's cousin has one, Lenny. It's lovely. It lives in doors in her spare room. It has a big run with a heat lamp, and has plants and bits for it to hide. He comes out to play. He's a lovely wee thing. She's had him for 15 years now. So it is a big commitment.xx

 

[cosmicgirl]

It's a massive commitment so I'm still thinking about it. Why can't he be obsessed with guinea pigs or rabbits?? x

 

[TORino]

Oh wow! How cool!

 

[Lolly85x]

It's a massive commitment so I'm still thinking about it. Why can't he be obsessed with guinea pigs or rabbits?? x

Do you think it's just a phase? Or has he been interested in them for a while?!?xxx

 

[cosmicgirl]

No, he wanted one last Christmas! He's been asking for over a year now x

 

[Lolly85x]

Ah... That is a long time for a wee one to be interested in the same thing.xxx

 

[cosmicgirl]

I know, he's only 4! It's something I'm going to have to think hard about, with 5 kids and a dog my hands are fairly full x

 

[Lolly85x]

Oh bless him, but the fact he's so young, and still interested after year is quite a big commitment!!xxx